DCI appeals for identification of suspect in murder of Nakuru cleric Ndumia

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has appealed to members of the public to help identify a man believed to hold crucial information in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari.

According to the DCI, the individual, whose images were obtained during investigations, is considered a person of interest and may possess information that could significantly advance the case and help detectives identify additional accomplices linked to the killing.

The appeal comes as investigators announced significant progress in the probe, which has already led to the arrest of two suspects, Felix Odinga Okumu and Berryly Nafua Atenyo.

The breakthrough followed extensive forensic analysis and intelligence-led investigations conducted by detectives from the Homicide Directorate, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), Operations Support Unit (OSU), and Nakuru County investigative teams.

The murder occurred on the night of May 3, 2026, in Nakuru North Sub-County.

Following the completion of investigations involving the two suspects, the case file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for review and legal advice.

Based on the ODPP’s recommendations, the suspects were arraigned before the Nakuru Law Courts, where they pleaded not guilty. The court scheduled a pre-trial conference for June 17, 2026, ahead of the commencement of the trial.

The DCI said detectives are continuing to pursue additional leads and profile other persons of interest connected to what it described as a heinous crime.

Anyone with information that may assist in identifying the individual sought by detectives or provide further leads in the investigation has been urged to report to the nearest police station or anonymously through the DCI’s #FichuaKwaDCI platform, toll-free line 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.

The killers are linked to a notorious armed criminal gang previously profiled in 2022 and known for carrying out violent robberies while disguised in security forces uniforms.

Detectives say the group used a LIAi firearm that had earlier been recovered by police in 2024.

The same gang has also been connected to a violent robbery on May 1, 2026, in which Sh600,000 was allegedly transferred from a victim’s bank account to mobile numbers associated with the suspects.

“Through sustained forensic and intelligence-driven investigations, detectives have firmly linked the incident to a notorious criminal gang first profiled in July 2022.”

“The gang is known for carrying out violent armed robberies using an LIAi firearm while disguised in security forces attire. The firearm in question was recovered by police in 2024,” a statement said.

The DCI said ongoing investigations are examining a wider pattern of violent robberies and attacks across Nakuru County and nearby areas, with detectives suspecting the same group may be responsible for several incidents.

According to investigators, Reverend Ngari was killed during a violent attack at the church compound, while the church watchman sustained serious injuries and was admitted to hospital.

Detectives said the attackers broke into the church office and the reverend’s residence, making away with cash, mobile phones and other valuables.

Police believe the murder happened out of a robbery. Some of the suspects were later captured on security cameras while withdrawing cash from the deceased’s mobile phone.

They later shared the money among themselves.

Police say others wore military jungle uniforms.